Sen. Clare Oumou Verbeten

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amending Minnesota's constitution to explicitly ban slavery and involuntary servitude as criminal punishments. It would remove the current exception allowing such punishment for crimes, making it unconstitutional to force people into labor as part of a criminal sentence. The amendment would take effect if approved by voters in the 2026 general election, where the question would ask: "Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to prohibit slavery or involuntary servitude as criminal punishment for a crime?" This change directly affects all Minnesotans, particularly those in the criminal justice system, by eliminating a historical loophole in the state constitution.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates state funds from the transportation budget to replace the eastbound Kellogg Boulevard bridge (Bridge No. 90378) near St. Paul's RiverCentre. It authorizes the state to issue bonds to cover costs for designing, constructing, and rebuilding the bridge and associated infrastructure, including roads, utilities, safety systems, and bluff stabilization between West Seventh Street and Market Street. The funding directly supports the City of St. Paul's project to replace this aging bridge structure and its surrounding transportation network. The bill enables the state to finance the project through bond sales under existing state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Minnesotans to modify the sex indicator on their birth records. Adults 18+ or emancipated minors can request changes directly, while parents/guardians may request changes for minors or incapacitated individuals. To request a change, applicants must provide documentation like a medical provider's statement, court order, or sworn statement confirming good faith. The commissioner must approve valid requests, and replaced records become confidential, with original records sealed from public disclosure.

Maddy summarySF 3509, the "Larry R. Hill Medical Reform Act," mandates specific medical and mental health care policies for all licensed correctional facilities in Minnesota, directly affecting incarcerated individuals and facility operators. It adds 17 new requirements to facility licensing standards, including suicide prevention plans, timely medication verification, discharge planning with prescribed medications, mental health screening, and policies for transfers to outside medical care. The commissioner of corrections will inspect facilities biennially to ensure compliance with these new standards, which cover areas like substance use disorder treatment, telehealth use, staff training, and death reviews. Facilities must report all deaths within 24 hours and share relevant data for reviews. This bill updates existing licensing rules to improve healthcare outcomes for people in custody.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 2837) requires Minnesota's Department of Corrections to maintain a supply of nasal opiate antagonists (overdose reversal drugs like naloxone) at all correctional facilities and store sufficient doses for rapid response to opioid overdoses. It mandates that correctional staff receive training on recognizing overdose symptoms and administering these drugs, as specified in Minnesota Statutes section 241.76. The law directly affects incarcerated individuals facing overdose risks and correctional facility employees responsible for emergency response. The provisions aim to ensure immediate access to life-saving treatment during opioid overdoses within state prisons and detention centers.

Maddy summarySF 3488 appropriates $5 million from the general fund to Youthprise for the predesign, construction, renovation, and equipping of a facility at 340 Cedar Street in St. Paul. This hub will provide space for youth housing cooperatives, workforce development programs, community wellness services, nonprofit operations, and community gatherings to serve youth and communities statewide. The bill directly funds the physical development of this multi-service center through a specific grant to Youthprise. It does not create new policies but allocates state funds for a defined capital project.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate File 1422 authorizes cities to create "land-value taxation districts" where property taxes are based primarily on land value (excluding improvements) rather than total property value. It directly affects property owners within designated districts, requiring cities to adopt ordinances describing the district boundaries and tax reallocation method. Key provisions include mandating a public hearing, requiring cities to evaluate the district's economic impact for 15+ years, and specifying that taxes must be distributed using uniform rates on land value (excluding improvements) as defined in state law. The bill takes effect for property taxes payable in 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota Statutes to update school requirements for sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention programs. It requires all public school districts to include "abstinence until marriage" as a specific component within their medically accurate, unbiased curriculum. The changes maintain existing elements like parent involvement, staff training, and coordination with health agencies, while adding this explicit abstinence education requirement. The bill directly affects Minnesota public school districts, which must revise their STI prevention programs to comply with these updated standards.

Maddy summarySF 3473 decriminalizes the possession of residual amounts of controlled substances found in personal drug paraphernalia, syringes, or small storage bags used for individual use. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes sections 152.023 and 152.025 to exclude these residual amounts from criminal possession charges under third- and fifth-degree controlled substance offenses. It directly affects individuals who possess trace amounts of drugs in equipment like pipes, needles, or small plastic bags typically used for personal consumption. The key provision removes criminal penalties for these minimal residues while maintaining penalties for larger quantities or other violations.

Maddy summarySF 3474 allows municipalities to halt tax increment financing payments to developers, contractors, or subcontractors who violate state or local labor laws. If a municipality finds a violation after a public hearing with proper notice and documentation (including specific law citations and violation details), it can stop payments for project costs, including accrued interest. Affected parties can challenge the decision in court within 30 days, and courts must rule in their favor if proper procedures weren't followed or no violation occurred. This policy change directly impacts project financiers and labor compliance in municipal development projects, codified under Minnesota Statutes § 469.1767.